Do you have experience of providing a high level of customer service?
Do you have great communication skills to help you be a trusted point of information and guidance when it matters most?
West Sussex Library Service currently delivers the library service at Ford Prison, funded by the Home Office. The prison library team provides lending services for books, CDs, and DVDs, a limited enquiry service, and supports specialist initiatives including Story Book Dads and Raising Readers.
As a Senior Library Assistant, you will serve as a primary point of contact within the prison library, overseeing a small team of Library Assistants recruited from the prison population and supporting the Team Manager in providing a customer-focused library and enquiry service.
Salary: £26,403 to £26,824 per annum, £12,844 to £13,049 (pro rata for part time) and entitlement to Saturday Enhancement for working 3 hours 30 minutes, 1 in 2 Saturdays.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part time (18 hours per week)
Location: Ford Prison Library Ford Rd, Ford, Arundel BN18 0BX
Interview Date: Tuesday 04 August 2026
The role requires lone working within the prison library. The successful candidate will demonstrate a confident and professional manner, with the ability to remain vigilant and maintain awareness while working independently for extended periods.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Weekly shift pattern:
Monday: OFF
Tuesday: 09:15am to 2:00pm
Wednesday 09:15am to 1:00pm
Thursday: 09:15am to 6:00pm
Friday: OFF
Saturday: 08:30am to 12:00pm (working 1 in 2 Saturdays)
About the Job
It is not just about the books! We are seeking a candidate with excellent digital skills, capable of confidently using Library and HMPPS management systems to deliver an operational library service within a Category D prison.
You will work closely with prison staff, prisoners, and colleagues across the wider Library Service to deliver an inclusive, welcoming, and professional library service.
This is a unique opportunity for a confident and resilient individual to work in a distinctive environment where your contribution can make a genuine and meaningful difference every day.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Day-to-day management of a small team, including allocating and checking work, delivering on-the-job training, and participation in the timetabling of the prison library assistants.
- Act as the main point of contact in the prison library, providing a customer facing enquiry service and delivering core library tasks such as issues, returns, renewals, and displays.
- Ensuring that opening and closing procedures are carried out efficiently; verifying that the building is securely locked and computers closed down.
- Addressing issues reported by colleagues, such as disputes with customers concerning book ownership or overdue library items in a calm and confident manner.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- 4 GCSEs with 9-4 / A-C passes including Maths and English, or equivalent qualification/experience.
- European Computer Driving Licence or an equivalent qualification, or relevant experience demonstrating solid proficiency in digital systems and procedures.
- Experience working with the public and delivering a service that provides basic information, advice, and guidance.
- Proficient digital skills to effectively operate various library equipment, including the library management system, library-related applications (including electronic resources), photocopiers, and internet functionalities.
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities to effectively engage with the public and serve as a reliable source of information, advice, and guidance.
- Good interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage effectively with children, families, and customers of all ages. This includes supporting family fun days at the prison and reading to groups of children during story time sessions.
For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.
Rewards and Benefits
We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
You will benefit from 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service (pro rata for part time) plus the opportunity to buy additional leave and an excellent local government pension scheme
We think libraries are great places to work, where you can make a difference to local communities every day. Find out more about the variety that comes with working in a library and hear first-hand from some of our library staff here: Library Jobs at West Sussex Libraries
A range of discounts give our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform.
For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CPP01343.
For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Sara Crowley at [email protected]
For issues or queries regarding your application please contact [email protected]
Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure all that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.
Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
Struggling to apply? Book onto a Digital Support Session in a library near you to get help navigating our application form (subject to availability)
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to satisfactory references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, health check and HMPS Vetting.
Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
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